Northern Cyprus is the pearl of Mediterranean with its unique nature and perfect climate of long hot summers averaging 30ºC (90F) and short mild winters’ coldest being 10ºC (50F). The fact that Northern Cyprus is an island separately and peacefully breathing its own life but still a stop-point between Turkey, Lebanon and Israel draws attention of homebuyers all around the world.

The island of Cyprus being the third largest island of Mediterranean has a rich history having been occupied by a succession of civilizations over the past 2000 years, each leaving their own mark. Cyprus has been divided into two autonomous states since 1974. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is populated slightly over 200,000 and presents the historical values together with natural uniqueness in a peaceful aura. The main cities of Northern Cyprus are Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta and Morphou. These cosmopolitan centers give the prospective investor an overall chance of owning the holiday home or a permanent residence by the sea or icon the city center full of social life and historical heritage.

Geography The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus comprises an area of 3,355 square miles and encompasses the northern part of the island, which is the third largest in the Mediterranean. It is situated at the cross-roads of east-west and north-south navigational routes, is only 70 kilometres south of Turkey and 385 kilometres north of Egypt. Owing to the location of Northern Cyprus and its proximity to the rich Middle Eastern countries, it provides an ideal place for foreign investment.

Climate
The climate of Northern Cyprus makes the island one of the healthiest places in the world in which to live, consisting of a long hot summer and a dry short winter. The country enjoys approximately 340 days of sunshine annually, and the lowest sea temperature is rarely below 63 degrees F.

Major Towns
The capital of TRNC is Lefkosa (Nicosia), which has a population of approximately 35,000, this is where the main administration and business centers are. Other major towns include :
· Gazi Magusa (Famagusta) which is a flourishing tourist, industrial and commercial center, as well as being the country's principle port.
·Girne (Kyrenia) a town of touristic importance with a wonderful yacht harbour. Town maps can be obtained from the Tourism offices in Lefkosa.

Language
Turkish is the official. language and English is the second language, and is widely used and understood in official and commercial circles. There are several first-class Turkish language teachers available, and some British residents avail themselves of their services.

Time
Local time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Currency
The Turkish Lira (YTL), which has been in circulation, is the legal tender.  The official rates for the YTL are adjusted daily according to changes in international monetary markets. Generally speaking, all foreign currencies are acceptable at trading/tourist outlets.

Accommodation
North Cyprus has a large selection of accommodation units, from 5-star hotels, small family hotels, motels, pensions, self-catering villas, and apartments and camping facilities.

Tourism
The mild climate, the natural and scenic attractions, the rich antiquities, coupled with the hospitality of the Turkish Cypriots, make North Cyprus an ideal place for tourists. There is none of the pestering of holiday-makers that is so common now in other Mediterranean resorts.

Since tourism has been singled out as a vital sector for the future development economy of the TRNC, the Government has approved a Bill which contains a wide range of incentives for investors.

Consumer Markets
There is a wide selection of consumer goods of good quality. In addition to locally produced goods almost all foreign brands are available on the market. It can be estimated that the cost of foodstuffs generally is about half of the price in UK, with items such as local brandy, retailing at around £1.20 sterling per bottle.

Mains Services
Mains power 240/415 volts AC. 50Hz.
Water by mains supply and in some properties supplemented by wells.
International telephone system plus facsimile and internet.

Traffic
As in the UK, traffic circulation is on the left. Road signs are international. There is a large selection of car hire companies with a variety of vehicles at favourable rates, from £10 per day in the winter to £15+ in the peak season.

Employment
There is no acute unemployment problem in the TRNC, and the number of registered unemployed has declined steadily since 1978. The official working week is 40 hours in the winter and 36 in the summer.

Banks & Currency
Numerous Turkish and Turkish Cypriot banks (HSBC Bank has now opened branches in Nicosia and Kyrenia in TRNC),have branches in North Cyprus and they are open from Monday to Friday (except public holidays) between 08.00-12.00/14.00-16.00 hours.
Turkish lira (YTL) is used as the local currency. There is no restriction on the import of foreign currency into Northern Cyprus, or the equivalent in other currencies. All currencies can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices and in hotels. Visa card, Master and euro cards, eurocheques, travelers checks can also be used in place of cash.

Foreign Exchange
The TRNC follows a flexible exchange policy. Foreign currency accounts can be opened with local banks, and foreign currency can be brought into the country and taken out through the banks without any restriction or control, and the source of such income is not investigated. It should be noted that the Government are actively encouraging the formation of offshore banks by foreign investors, and are offering incentives such as relatively low set-up capital, low corporation and income tax etc.

Transport
Ercan airport handles the bulk of the tourist traffic, whilst Gecitkale serves as a back-up airport. Daily flights from many mainland Turkish cities, as well as flights from the Europe, supply the majority of the visitors to the island. Direct flights from all overseas countries are the key for N. Cyprus, but until the intransigence in Greek and British/US attitudes change, the road to financial stability will be slow and tortuous. In addition to air travel, there is a selection of car and passenger ferries from Turkey to the island, the fastest being two and a half hours from Girne to Tasucu.

Pets
Pets can be brought into the country from Europe with little hassle. The Ministry of Agriculture require a certificate from a European vet stating that your animal is free of major diseases. Quarantine is approximately 4 weeks at the Lefkosa kennels.

Driving
As in the UK, traffic circulation is on the left. Road signs are international. Max. Speed is 100 km./hr. There is a large selection of car hire companies with a variety of vehicles at favourable rates, from £10 per day in the winter to £15+ in the peak season.

Emergency Telephone Numbers
· Fire 199
· Police 155
· First Aid 112